DE102014011587A1 - Armrest for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat with the armrest - Google Patents

Abstract

Armrest for a vehicle seat, wherein the armrest has a backbone 1 as a support structure of the armrest and / or for attachment of an armrest padding, wherein the backbone 1 is formed as a one-piece, one-piece and / or einmaterialiges Urformbauteil.

Description

Technical area:

The invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle seat with the features of claim 1 and a vehicle seat with the armrest having the features of claim 14.

Background:

Often in vehicle interiors steel components are installed as carrier structures. The steel components are usually connected together by fastening techniques such as screwing, riveting and / or welding. For example, armrests for vehicle seats are often formed from a plurality of steel tubes that are assembled and connected by appropriate fastening techniques.

Vehicle interiors are already known whose carrier structures are made of a magnesium alloy. For example, the document describes EP 1 186 469 A1 , which is probably the closest prior art, a backrest for a vehicle seat, wherein the backrest is made of a magnesium alloy by Thixoforming.

Description:

The invention has for its object to provide a weight-reduced, functionally improved and / or easy-to-manufacture armrest for a vehicle seat. This object is achieved by an armrest having the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 14. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and / or the accompanying figures.

There is an armrest for a vehicle seat, z. As for a driver's seat, passenger seat and / or the seat of a rear seat of a car or truck, proposed. Preferably, the armrest can be arranged laterally on the vehicle seat and / or pivotable relative thereto from a low position to a high position and vice versa. The armrest includes a skeleton formed as a support structure for the armrest. Alternatively or additionally, the basic structure for fixing an armrest padding is formed. For example, the backbone is foamable with the armrest padding. The skeleton is formed as a one-piece, one-piece and / or einmaterialiges Urformbauteil.

Frameworks for armrests are known from the prior art, which comprise a plurality of individual steel components and are interconnected by screws, rivets and / or welding. By forming the skeleton as a one-piece, one-piece and / or einmaterialiges Urformbauteil a simple and cost-effective production of the skeleton can be provided in an advantageous manner. On joining processes, such. As screws, rivets and / or welding can be dispensed with in an advantageous manner. As a result, assembly time and costs can be saved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the skeleton is formed and / or manufactured by a thixotropic process, in particular by a so-called thixoforming, thixomolding and / or semisolide metal casting (SSM). In particular, in the Thixo process, the material from which the skeleton is made is heated to a temperature at which the material is converted into a dough-like state. In this dough-like state, one part of the material is in one state of the melt and another part in a solid state. In the doughy state, the skeleton is produced by extrusion in an extruder injection molding machine.

By Thixoverfahren can advantageously increased dimensional stability and better surface quality, eg. As a reduction of voids, are guaranteed as in the usual production of the backbone with individual steel components. In particular, an overall performance of the backbone over a backbone, e.g. B. in a conventional injection molding or by, significantly improved.

Preferably, the skeleton is formed of a light metal alloy, in particular of a magnesium-zinc alloy. For example, the magnesium-zinc alloy is AZ91. The use of the magnesium-zinc alloy allows a significant reduction in weight compared to the use of other metal alloys, eg. As steel, which can result in an advantageous manner to reduce energy consumption of the vehicle.

A preferred structural implementation of the invention provides that the skeleton, in particular in a plan view from above on the skeleton, has a rectangular outer contour or a substantially rectangular outer contour. Preferably, the rectangular outer contour comprises a first and a second longitudinal side and a first and second transverse side. Preferably, the longitudinal and transverse sides form a common border and / or a common frame.

Optionally in addition to the basic framework comprises a first and second cross strut. Preferably, the first and second transverse struts are rectified and / or parallel to the first and second transverse sides. In particular, the first and second transverse struts divide the rectangular outer contour into at least two, preferably three, rectangles. Specifically, the first and second transverse sides connect the first and second longitudinal sides with each other. It is advantageous that the rectangular outer contour of the skeleton is stabilized by the first and second transverse strut.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first transverse strut is at least partially and / or partially connected to the first transverse side and / or formed on this. For example, the first transverse strut and the first transverse side in the longitudinal direction partially and / or partially connected to each other and / or formed on each other. In particular, the first transverse side and the first transverse strut are arranged adjacent to one another and / or make contact. It is possible that between the first transverse strut and the first transverse side, a connecting piece is arranged and / or formed, via which the first transverse strut is connected to the first transverse side.

Preferably, the skeleton on a first and a second pivot pin. For example, the first and second pivot pin for engagement in a pivot bearing of a vehicle interior equipment and for pivoting the armrest in the pivot bearing, in particular relative to the vehicle seat, is formed. For example, at least one of the pivot bearings is integrated in the vehicle seat and / or arranged thereon.

Preferably, the first pivot pin on the first longitudinal side of the second pivot pin and arranged on the second longitudinal side of the rectangular outer contour and / or molded. In particular, the first pivot pin projects transversely, in particular at right angles, from the first longitudinal side, preferably to the outside of the rectangle. Optionally, the second pivot pin projects transversely, in particular at right angles, from the second longitudinal side, preferably to the outside of the rectangle.

In a preferred constructive implementation of the invention, the first pivot pin is arranged and / or formed in extension of the first transverse side on the first longitudinal side and the second pivot pin in extension of the second transverse side on the second longitudinal side.

Alternatively, the pivot pins can also be arranged at a different location of the rectangular outer contour, for. B. on the first or second transverse side and from this project outside the rectangle.

Possible in the context of the invention is also that the skeleton further cones, z. B. locking pin for locking in a pivotal position and / or mounting pin for mounting on the vehicle seat includes. For example, the skeleton has a first and a second further pin. Preferably, the first further pin is transversely, in particular at right angles, from the first longitudinal side and the second further pin transversely, in particular at right angles, from the second longitudinal side. For example, the first further pin is arranged in the extension of the first transverse strut on the first longitudinal side and the second further pin in extension of the second transverse strut on the second longitudinal side and / or formed.

Alternatively, the other pins can also be arranged at a different location of the rectangular outer contour, for. B. on the first or second transverse side and from this project outside the rectangle.

It is advantageous that the first and second pivot pins and optionally additionally the first and second further pins are urgeformte constituents of the skeleton, in particular by the Thixoverfahren to the rectangular outer contour in one piece, are integrally formed and / or einmaterialig. As a result, it is possible to dispense with the use and assembly of separate pivot pins and optionally additional pins. In particular, a number of components can be reduced and assembly costs can be saved.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second transverse side has at least one reinforcing rib for reinforcement. In particular, the at least one reinforcing rib in the longitudinal extent of the second transverse side is integrally formed thereon. For example, the at least one reinforcing rib protrudes in the direction of the first transverse side, in particular within the rectangle, from the second transverse side. This can advantageously achieves a stabilization of the second transverse side and an overall stability of the skeleton can be increased.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the second transverse strut has at least one further reinforcing rib for reinforcement. In particular, the at least one further reinforcing rib in the longitudinal extent of the second transverse strut is integrally formed thereon. For example, the at least one further reinforcing rib is in the lowered position of the mounted on the vehicle seat armrest down, z. B. to a vehicle floor, from the second cross member. As a result, a stabilization of the second transverse strut can be achieved in an advantageous manner and an overall stability of the skeleton can be increased.

Alternatively or optionally additionally, at least one of the longitudinal sides, the first transverse side and / or the first transverse strut may also have at least one reinforcing rib for reinforcing and / or stiffening.

Another object of the invention relates to a vehicle seat with the armrest according to the previous description and / or according to claims 1-13. For example, the vehicle seat is designed as a driver's seat, passenger seat and / or as a seat of a rear seat of the vehicle.

Preferably, the vehicle seat comprises at least one pivot bearing for at least one of the two pivot pins of the backbone. Preferably, the armrest with the first and / or second pivot pin is pivotally mounted in the at least one pivot bearing of the vehicle seat. In particular, the armrest is relative to the vehicle seat from the low position in which they z. B. arranged rectified to the vehicle floor, in the superscript position in which they z. B. is arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular to the vehicle floor, pivotable.

Further features, advantages and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. Showing:

1 a top perspective view of a skeleton of an armrest for a vehicle seat;

2 a skeleton of several individual steel components from the prior art.

Corresponding or identical parts are each provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

1 shows a top perspective view of a skeleton 1 an armrest for a vehicle seat. The basic structure 1 forms a support structure for the armrest. It is designed for attachment of an armrest padding. For example, the skeleton is 1 foamable with the armrest padding. The armrest can be arranged on the vehicle seat and can be pivoted relative to it from a low position to a high position and back. The vehicle seat may be designed as a driver or passenger seat or as a seat of a rear seat of a vehicle, in particular a car or truck.

The basic structure 1 is formed as a one-piece, one-piece and / or einmaterialiges Urformbauteil. It is made of a light metal alloy, in particular of a magnesium-zinc alloy, for. AZ91, in a thixotropic method, specifically by thixomolding, thixoforming and / or semi-solid metal casting (SSM).

The Thixo process combines the advantages of casting and forging together. The light metal alloy is heated to a transition temperature between a solid and liquid state of the component. At this threshold, a thixotropic state of the light metal is achieved. In the thixotropic state, the viscosity of the light metal is reduced under the action of shear forces, which means that it can be pressed very precisely into molds with little pressure. In the Thixo process, the light metal alloy is conveyed, for example, with a screw in an injection molding process in a mold. In contrast to the die casting through which the in 2 shown individual components of the skeleton are made from the prior art, a heating channel can be used in Thixoverfahren in the tool. As a result, cycle time, material usage and flow paths can be reduced in an advantageous manner. In addition, a component quality, in particular the dimensional stability and surface properties of the skeleton can be improved.

The basic structure 1 has in plan view from above a rectangular outer contour 2 or a substantially rectangular outer contour. The rectangular outer contour 2 is from a first and second longitudinal side 3a . 3b and a first and second transverse side 4a . 4b educated.

The basic structure 1 includes a first and second transverse strut 5a . 5b , The first and second cross brace 5a . 5b are rectified and / or parallel to the first and second transverse sides 4a . 4b arranged. They divide the rectangular outer contour 2 of the skeleton 1 and connect the first and second long sides 3a . 3b together. This will cause the rectangular outer contour 2 of the skeleton 1 stabilized and / or stiffened.

The first crossbar 5a is adjacent to the first transverse side 4a arranged and connected to this. In particular, the first cross strut 5a via a connector 6 on the first transverse side 4a formed. The connector 6 is formed in the primary molding process from the light metal alloy, in particular the magnesium zinc alloy, and in Thixoverfahren between the first transverse side 4a and the first crossbar 5a formed.

The basic structure 1 has a first and a second pivot pin 7a . 7b on. The pivot pins 7a . 7b , are to be engaged in a first and a second pivot bearing, z. B. the vehicle seat and / or a vehicle interior equipment, trained. Upon engagement of the pivot pin 7a . 7b in the pivot bearing armrest is relative to the vehicle seat, z. B. from the low position to the up position and back, pivot.

The first pivot 7a is in extension of the first transverse side 4a on the first longitudinal side 3a arranged and / or molded and is transversely, in particular at right angles, from this to the outside of the rectangle. The second pivot 7b is in extension of the first transverse side 4a on the second longitudinal side 3b the rectangular outer contour 2 arranged and / or molded and is transversely, in particular at right angles, from this to the outside of the rectangle.

The basic structure 1 has a first and a second further pin 8a . 8b on. The first and second further cones 8a . 8b can z. B. as a locking pin for locking in a pivoting position of the armrest and / or be designed as a mounting pin for mounting the armrest on the vehicle seat and / or in the vehicle interior equipment. The first further pin 8a is on the first long side 3a spaced from the first pivot 7a arranged and / or molded. He stands transversely, in particular at right angles, from the first longitudinal side 3a to outside the rectangle. The second further pin 8b is spaced from the second pivot pin 7b on the second longitudinal side 3b arranged and / or molded. He stands transversely, in particular at right angles, from the second longitudinal side 3b oh, outside the rectangle.

The second transverse side 4b has a reinforcing rib 9 on. The reinforcement rib 9 is along the longitudinal extent of the second transverse side 4b formed on this and stands from the second transverse side 4b transversely, in particular at right angles into the rectangle. The reinforcement rib 9 is for reinforcement and / or stiffening of the second transverse side 4b educated.

The second cross strut 5b has several, z. B. three further reinforcing ribs 10 on. The other reinforcing ribs 10 are at the second crossbar 5b molded and stand down from this. Here they stiffen the second cross strut 5b , so the stability of the skeleton 1 is increased ..

In 2 are several, z. B. six, steel components 11 to form a backbone 12 an armrest of the prior art shown. The steel components 11 are manufactured in a die-casting process. To form the skeleton 12 are the several steel components 11 to connect with each other by screws, rivets and / or welding. Compared to the backbone of the invention 1 out 1 This means an increased number of components, poorer surface properties, lower dimensional stability, a higher total weight and / or increased assembly costs.

While at least one embodiment has been disclosed in detail above, it is to be appreciated that a variety of variations of the invention exist. It should also be appreciated that the at least one embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, fields of application, or configuration. Rather, the present disclosure should be a pleasant roadmap for implementing at least one embodiment. Thus, it should be recognized that various variations in the function or arrangement of elements of the at least one embodiment may be practiced without departing from the scope defined by the claims and their legal equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

backbone

2

Rectangular outer contour

3a

first longitudinal side

3b

second long side

4a

first transverse side

4b

second transverse side

5a

first cross strut

5b

second cross strut

6

joint

7a

first pivot

7b

second pivot

8a

first further cones

8b

second further pin

9

reinforcing rib

10

further reinforcing ribs

11

several steel components

12

Basic framework from the prior art

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1186469 A1 [0003]

Claims (15)

Armrest for a vehicle seat, the armrest being a backbone ( 1 ) as a support structure of the armrest and / or for attachment of an armrest padding, wherein the backbone ( 1 ) is formed as a one-piece, one-piece and / or einmaterialiges Urformbauteil. Armrest according to claim 1, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) is urformed and / or manufactured by a Thixo process. Armrest according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) is formed of a light metal alloy. Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) is formed from a magnesium-zinc alloy, in particular from AZ91. Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) in a plan view from above a rectangular outer contour ( 2 ) with a first and second longitudinal side ( 3a . 3b ) and with a first and second transverse side ( 4a . 4b ) having. Armrest according to claim 5, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) a first and second transverse strut ( 5a . 5b ) rectified and / or parallel to the first and second transverse sides ( 4a . 4b ) and the first and second longitudinal sides ( 3a . 3b ) connect with each other. Armrest according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first transverse strut ( 5a ) at least partially and / or in sections with the first transverse side ( 4a ) and / or is formed on this. Armrest according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the backbone ( 1 ) a first and a second pivot pin ( 7a . 7b ) for engaging in a first and a second pivot bearing and for pivoting the armrest in the pivot bearings. Armrest according to claim 7, wherein the first pivot ( 7a ) on the first longitudinal side ( 3a ) and the second pivot ( 7b ) on the second longitudinal side ( 3b ) are arranged and / or molded. An armrest according to claim 9, wherein the first pivot ( 7a ) in extension of the first transverse side ( 4a ) transversely, in particular at right angles, from the first longitudinal side ( 3a ) and the second pivot ( 7b ) in extension of the second transverse side ( 4b ) transversely, in particular at right angles, from the second longitudinal side ( 3b ) stand out. Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the skeleton ( 1 ) a first and a second further pin ( 8a . 8b ), wherein the first further pin ( 8a ) spaced from the first pivot ( 7a ) on the first longitudinal side ( 3a ) is arranged and / or molded and wherein the second further pin ( 8b ) spaced from the second pivot ( 7b ) on the second longitudinal side ( 3b ) is arranged and / or molded. Armrest according to claim 11, wherein the first further pin ( 8a ) transversely, in particular at right angles, from the first longitudinal side ( 3a ) and wherein the second further pin ( 8b ) transversely, in particular at right angles, from the second longitudinal side ( 3b ) protrudes. Armrest according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the second transverse side ( 4b ) and / or the second transverse strut ( 5b ) at least one reinforcing rib ( 9 . 10 ) for reinforcement and / or stiffening. Vehicle seat with the armrest according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle seat according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle seat has at least one pivot bearing for at least one of the pivot pins ( 7a . 7b ), wherein the armrest over the at least one of the pivot pin ( 7a . 7b ) is pivotally mounted in the at least one pivot bearing and is pivotable relative to the vehicle seat.

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